正当(せいとう)

せいとう
na-adjective, noun
legitimate, just, rightful
formalevaluation
See also: 正統(せいとう) (orthodox)
1. legitimate, just, rightful, fair
Conforming to what is right, reasonable, or lawful. Used to describe actions, claims, or evaluations that are considered proper and justified.
正当(せいとう)な理由(りゆう)がなければ欠席(けっせき)できない。
You cannot be absent without a legitimate reason.
彼女(かのじょ)の努力(どりょく)は正当(せいとう)に評価(ひょうか)されるべきだ。
Her efforts should be fairly evaluated.
正当(せいとう)防衛(ぼうえい)として認(みと)められるかどうかは裁判所(さいばんしょ)が判断(はんだん)する。
Whether it is recognized as self-defense is decided by the court.

Usage

Used as a na-adjective (正当(せいとう)な) to modify nouns, or adverbially with に (正当(せいとう)に). Very common in legal, ethical, and formal contexts.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 正統(せいとう): orthodox, authentic (same reading but different kanji — refers to tradition/lineage rather than fairness)
  • 適正(てきせい): proper, appropriate (more about correctness of procedure)
  • 妥当(だとう): reasonable, valid (emphasizes being sensible rather than morally right)

Related Words

Antonym: 不当(ふとう) (unjust, unfair)
Compare: 適正(てきせい) (proper, appropriate)
Compare: 妥当(だとう) (reasonable, valid)
general
Added 2026.2.24 15:08 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
13000/13191_seitou